{"id":15507,"date":"2025-11-10T01:28:16","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T01:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.findadistributor.com\/news\/?p=15507"},"modified":"2025-11-10T20:13:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:13:34","slug":"oz-lifting-delivers-second-funded-police-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.findadistributor.com\/news\/oz-lifting-delivers-second-funded-police-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"OZ Lifting Delivers Second Funded Police Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC<\/a> has delivered the second police dog from its new funding initiative to the Code Blue K9 program \u2014 in time for this year\u2019s GivingTuesday on December 2.<\/p>\n

The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment is committed to funding training for a new police dog every year. Having placed a dog, named \u2018Ozkar\u2019, at the City of New Hampton Police Department in 2024, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, also in Iowa, will become the latest recipient of a fully trained animal.<\/p>\n

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Trainees and officers from across the Midwest travel to OZ Lifting Products\u2019 facility in Winona, MN to complete Code Blue training courses in the OZ outbuilding.<\/p><\/div>\n

When Shawn Hoffman, a Pleasant Hill Officer, takes delivery of the dog, it will be trained in narcotics detection; patrol work; building and article search; tracking; criminal apprehension; and vehicle searches. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 13-week training programs \u2014 even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting<\/a>\u2019s new 40,000 square-foot facility.<\/p>\n

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Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 13-week training programs \u2014 even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting\u2019s new 40,000 square-foot facility.<\/p><\/div>\n

Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting<\/a>, said: \u201cI know Trace through our local YMCA. He has a training center where he lives, but utilizes several different buildings in the Winona area, including our place of work. There are many police departments that would love to have a dog on staff but can\u2019t afford the upfront cost. My wife, Jane, and I felt this was another way to give back to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Midwest faces ongoing challenges related to narcotics. Police K9 units are vital in combating these issues, providing efficient and effective drug detection, while enhancing community safety. The successful introduction of a dog to the City of New Hampton Police Department is further evidence of the value of the Code Blue K9 program \u2014 and ongoing funding.<\/p>\n

If there is a police department in another city looking for a dog, they are invited to send a written request outlining how they will use the animal in their community. If multiple departments are looking, a decision will be made on which one gets the next dog to be trained.<\/p>\n

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This is \u2018OZkar\u2019, OZ\u2019s first K9, gifted in 2024. He graduated the 2025 K9 training program this year.<\/p><\/div>\n

Napieralski added: \u201cWe are always accepting applications; they can either go directly to Trace or mark inquiries for my attention. Trace\u2019s classes fill up fast \u2014 because of his expertise, his programs are always in high demand.\u00a0It\u2019s no surprise that Trace won a special award with one of his K9s, while he was still in law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n

As part of the agreement, OZ Lifting<\/a>-funded dogs that pass through Erickson\u2019s program will have \u2018OZ<\/a>\u2019 somewhere in their name, as is the case with \u2018OZkar\u2019, at the City of New Hampton Police Department.<\/p>\n

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Steve and Jane Napieralski, of OZ Lifting Products, present Chief Pizzano and Lt. Grimes from the Pleasant Hill Police Department with a $12,000 donation for the acquisition and training of a specially imported K9. Trace Erickson, of Code Blue K9, is far right. This dog will be trained in the 2026 course.<\/p><\/div>\n

A serial philanthropist, OZ<\/a> has also donated to the American Legion, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and Winona Area Humane Society. It also supports local youth sports, schools, and organizations such as the Rotary Club. Anyone interested in supporting Code Blue K9 programs, should contact OZ Lifting<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n